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Auditor lobby group formed in response to new measure

In light of the government’s proposal to increase the audit cycle to three years for some SMSFs, one auditor has established a lobby group aimed at opposing the measure.

Super Sphere director Belinda Aisbett has announced that the SMSF Auditors Lobby Group has been established with the aim of protecting the integrity of the SMSF sector by supporting an annual audit of SMSFs.

“We are united in our attempt to present a collective voice to preserve the findings of the Super System Review, chaired by Jeremy Cooper,” said Ms Aisbett.

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The Super System Review found that an “annual audit provides a high level of assurance to members, regulators, government and the community more generally”, she noted.

Ms Aisbett said a joint submission was sent to various parties last week voicing the collective concerns of the lobby group.

The submission estimates that approximately 90 per cent of SMSFs will fit the description of a fund with a good audit history.

It stated that while attempts to reduce costs for the industry are a positive goal, there are other ways in which this could be achieved.

One of the alternatives it suggested was removing the need for certain minor contraventions to be reported to the ATO, which would reduce audit time and ATO resources.

Some of the requirements for the auditor to review certain documentation and its retention could also be removed, it said.

It also suggested consultation with standard setters to design more relevant and efficient mandatory auditing standards applicable to SMSF audits.

Miranda Brownlee is the deputy editor of SMSF Adviser, which is the leading source of news, strategy and educational content for professionals working in the SMSF sector.

Since joining the team in 2014, Miranda has been responsible for breaking some of the biggest superannuation stories in Australia, and has reported extensively on technical strategy and legislative updates. Miranda has also directed SMSF Adviser's print publication for several years.

Miranda also has broad business and financial services reporting experience, having written for titles including Investor Daily, ifa and Accountants Daily.

You can email Miranda on: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.